Should I copyright my book before I send it to an agent.?

Answer 1

You should copyright it if it is in finished form and you send the entire manuscript. However, most agents require only the first couple of chapters and will most likely never read the entire script. If you only send the first chapters then just copyright those yourself by the standard marking "copyright + date". If you send the whole manuscript, you'd better copyright it at the Library of Congress. It's worth the $40. It's the only official mechanism for protection since there is no proof your book ever existed.

Answer 2

It isn't necessary because your name and other pertinent contact information on the cover page clearly shows you're the author.

If the agent decides to represent you, then you could submit your $30 with the TX form to the Library of Congress and have it copyrighted for legality's sake.

Agents accept the fact that the manuscript they receive from an author is automatically copyrighted once it is in hard-copy form.

Answer 3

It doesn't really matter. The authors from whom work is stolen aren't the beginners, it's the pros who are being plagiarized by wannabees. An agent is generally going to make sure you have all those ducks in a row anyway. So the only thing you're buying is a little bit of peace of mind if it's worth the $35 for you. Good luck.

Answer 4

I would definetely cover your bottom, it could get lost in the mail or mailroom, who knows. Even if all you do is send a copy to yourself registered mail and leave it unopened, putting a note inside that this is the original copy being sent out. It isn't exactly a copyright but can help protect your work by having the proof that you had it before they did...Good Luck!!!!

Answer 5

No, it's already copyrighted because you wrote it. Copyrights and trademarks are proactive ways if laying claim to your work, but the work itself, the fact that you wrote it and have copies/can prove it serves as your copyright. The same thing goes for photos, if you take a picture you own the copyright whether it's registered or not.

Answer 6

YES!!!!! Log onto the Library Of Congress. You can print a form out and mail a copy of your manuscript. It costs about $35.00. If you value your work always copyright before showing. It proves it is yours if someone tries to steal it.
Good Luck!!!!

Answer 7

yes. i would if i were you because you never know what could happen. not saying that the agent it a fraud or something but he or she could claim it as their own and how would you ever prove that is was yours? take the extra precaution and have it copyrighted.

Answer 8

Protect yourself legally. Yes, register it for copyright.

Answer 9

Definitely yes. It costs very little and it's easy--a single sheet yet it gives a great deal of protection.

Answer 10

yes